David Culp
David Culp – Vice President of Consulting, NAC International. Prior to joining NAC, Mr. Culp spent 33 years with Duke Energy (Duke), most recently as General Manager of Nuclear Fuel and Analysis, where he was responsible for all aspects of nuclear fuel for the 11 nuclear units operated by Duke, including fuel procurement, spent fuel management, core design/safety analysis/methods, materials control and accounting, and probabilistic risk assessment (PRA). Also, Mr. Culp has served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the World Nuclear Fuel Market (WNFM), Chairman of the US Utilities Task Force (AHUG), and Chairman of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Fuel Committee.
Areas of Expertise
- Nuclear Energy
- Fuel procurement
- Spent fuel management
- Core disign/safety analysis/methods
- Materials control and accounting
- Probabilistic risk assesment
Kazakhstan is the largest uranium producer in the world, significantly outpacing other countries.
“I truly believe that nuclear energy has the potential to make a significant contribution to Kazakhstan’s energy future and security. A country with rich uranium reserves is in a favorable position to develop its own nuclear energy program. This will not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also diversify the nation’s energy mix,” noted David Culp.
Interview Highlights
Investments in nuclear energy could significantly strengthen Kazakhstan’s energy independence and contribute to achieving long-term sustainable development goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Nuclear energy can provide a stable and reliable source of electricity, which is essential to meet the growing energy demand of the country, both in the industrial sector and amid economic development. This has been the case in many other countries around the world. Thus, with careful planning, thoughtful investments in safety, and adherence to best international practices, nuclear energy could become a key element of Kazakhstan’s energy strategy,” emphasized the expert.
Nuclear energy will play an increasingly important role in the global transition to sustainable and clean energy sources.
“I am confident that the future of nuclear energy looks promising not only in the United States but also worldwide, including in Kazakhstan. Many countries that were once skeptical about nuclear energy are now revisiting their views and seeing it as an important complement to renewable energy sources. Nuclear energy can provide high energy security while remaining environmentally friendly,” he added.
“When comparing nuclear energy to traditional sources such as coal, oil, or gas, generating the same amount of energy from a small uranium fuel pellet would require a ton of coal, three barrels of oil (about 480 liters), or 13 cubic meters of natural gas. And the size of that pellet is no bigger than the tip of your pinky finger.”
Nuclear power plants can operate on a relatively small amount of fuel, especially compared to gas, coal, and oil.
“Another key advantage is the high reliability of nuclear energy. Nuclear plants typically operate 24/7 for extended periods. The industry has a long history of knowledge-sharing among reactor operators, which helps enhance equipment reliability, maintenance, and operational efficiency. This results in exceptional capacity factors, meaning plants can operate continuously and maintain a stable presence in the grid. The ability to run without interruption for long periods means nuclear plants are reliable, consistent sources of electricity. This dependable performance allows nuclear power stations to serve as a critical source of baseload power,” stated David Culp.
Nuclear power plants are considered some of the safest and most secure industrial facilities in the world.
“Nuclear plants are designed with multi-layered safety systems and backup mechanisms that minimize the risk of accidents. This includes extremely durable structures, emergency cooling systems, and automatic shutdown mechanisms that ensure the reactor fuel temperature remains below not only the designed limits but also the maximum allowable values. Safety measures include several physical barriers: from the metal rods containing the uranium fuel to the powerful metal reactor vessel walls and the reinforced concrete shell that houses the reactor itself. These safety systems undergo regular checks and tests to ensure the reliability of the equipment and its ability to perform its functions,” explained the expert.
“Reactor operators are required to undergo regular physical and psychological certification to confirm their ability to manage the plant. All nuclear plant employees undergo thorough background checks, including criminal history, before being granted access to the facility. An important aspect is the significant role of the nuclear regulator in the operation of nuclear power plants. This rule is followed in most countries around the world. These countries have an independent state regulator that reviews and approves applications for the construction and operation of nuclear plants,” noted the expert.
The state regulator strictly monitors compliance with safety standards at nuclear plants through regular inspections. As the expert explained, inspections begin during the construction phase to ensure all building codes are followed and continue throughout the operational lifetime of the plant.
“The regulator has the authority to impose fines and can suspend plant operations if unsafe conditions are identified. In the U.S., the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) assigns at least two permanent inspectors to each plant who oversee all activities at the facility. This ensures significant transparency and oversight from the regulatory body,” added the expert.
The world is increasingly recognizing the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and governments, along with energy companies, are actively striving to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the expert pointed out.
He emphasized that nuclear energy plays a critical role in this process, providing stable baseload electricity generation that helps compensate for the intermittency of renewable sources. Currently, nuclear energy covers about 10 percent of global electricity demand, and this figure needs to increase significantly to meet climate goals.
The expert also discussed steps taken by the U.S. government to support domestic nuclear energy and promote clean energy. Nuclear energy in the U.S. covers about 20 percent of electricity demand and accounts for half of all carbon-free generation in the country. Among the supportive measures, he highlighted significant federal funding for advanced reactor demonstration projects through the U.S. Department of Energy’s program.
Media
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